Ensuring freedom of navigation in Red Sea

Threat of Hamas-Israel conflict expanding in the Gulf looms large with ten nations setting up Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153). Any military engagement between the proposed United States-led force and Iran-backed Houthi militias is bound to cause a wider flare up of tensions and conflict in a region.

The narrow Strait of Bab-el-Mandab between Eritrea and Yemen provides passage for around 17,000 vessels annually and at least 10 per cent of the world’s seaborne crude oil.

The Houthis, emboldened with their mission in beating back the Saudis from the Yemeni region under their control, have launched missile attacks on several trading vessels and are even holding up one of them.

Vessels carrying merchandise for Israel are the special target of attack. At least 12 prominent shipping companies have suspended their operations through the area fearing attacks and ships are circling around Cape of Good Hope en route to Europe.

Houthis who operate under the banner of Asnarallah banner are aligned with the Iranian establishment and serve as southern flank of anti-Israel forces.

They had launched long range missiles on Israeli port of Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba during the early phase of Gaza conflict which did not cause the intended damage.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of the Operation Prosperity Guardian earlier this week in Bahrain. Besides Bahrain, it will be joined by France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles and Spain.

It is part of 39-nation Combined Maritime Task Force and proposes to conduct joint patrols in the southern part of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, though not necessarily providing security escort to the vessels.

While it is not certain how successful the Task Force in deterring the attack by the Houthis, what can be surmised is that a new feature would be added to the Gaza conflict.

India has been sounded about the new task force and is expected to carefully weigh options as securing sea lanes holds key to ensuring freedom of navigation.

India should use its good offices with Iran to prevail upon it in dissuading Houthis from targeting ships in the key waterway.